This is the joint website of Women Against Rape and Black Women's Rape Action Project. Both organisations are based on self-help and provide support, legal information and advocacy. We campaign for justice and protection for all women and girls, including asylum seekers, who have suffered sexual, domestic and/or racist violence.

WAR was founded in 1976. It has won changes in the law, such as making rape in marriage a crime, set legal precedents and achieved compensation for many women. BWRAP was founded in 1991. It focuses on getting justice for women of colour, bringing out the particular discrimination they face. It has prevented the deportation of many rape survivors. Both organisations are multiracial.

This is a collective effort based on decades of experience of survivors and campaigners. It offers ways to tackle obstacles to justice you many face when reporting violence.

From a user:

I wanted to write to say thank you for the brilliant self-help guide that you have on your website. It was only once I had read it, that I could fully come to terms with the fact that what happened to me was rape. Before this, I was denying the truth, hoping I suppose that if I didn't use this awful, difficult word 'rape' that it would mean it didn't really happen. I am so grateful to you for providing this information for me, and that I found it when I needed it. Thank you again, and I wish you all the strength and determination in this continuing battle.

Contents

(in order to view the different sections of the book you have to download it)

A self-help guide
Some basics of self-help
1. How the law defines rape. What is consent?
2. I’ve just been raped
3. Should I report the rape?
4. I'm worried about being arrested or deported
5. Reporting to the police
6. Who will I deal with during the investigation?
7. The Medical
8. Giving a statement
9. Written statement or video?
10. What if they discourage me, press me to
withdraw, or drop the case?
11. The police investigation
12. What if the police close the case against my will?
(‘No crime.’)
13. Keeping informed (bail, etc.)
14. Consent, drink and drugs
15. Can I see the police record of my case?
16. The Crown Prosecution Service
17. What are the charges?
18. If the case goes to court
19. Will I get protection?
20. Compensation – applying to the Criminal
Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)
21. Complaining about the police
22. Complaining to the CPS
23. Complaining about the judge
24. Can I sue my attacker?
25. Resources
26. Glossary of terms
27. Sample summary of a case
28. Sample diary
29. About Women Against Rape

What people say about the Guide:

"Lucid, to the point. I recommend it." Ian Madonald QC.

"People will grow in confidence and feel less intimidated by the authorities." Sally Freeman, mother of rape survivor.